“According to Abu Yusuf, Muhammad and Ash-Shaafi`i Rahimahumullaah they say: “There is no harm in eating it (i.e. horse meat) because of the Hadeeth of (Hadhrat) Jaabir Radhiallaahu `Anhu who said: “Rasoolullaah Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam prohibited the eating of the meat of domestic donkeys on the day of (the conquest of) khaybar, and he (Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam) gave permission to eat the meat of horses.”” [ii]

This Hadeeth is reported by Imaam Muslim Rahimahullaah in his Saheeh. [iii]

However Imaam Abu Haneefah Rahimahullaah retracted this view (of impermissibility) at the end of his life and followed the view of its permissibility, though he said that it is better not to eat it.

Imaam Al-Haskafi Rahimahullaah mentions in Ad-Durrul Mukhtaar:

“It was mentioned that (Imaam) Abu Haneefah (Rahimahullaah) retracted this view three days before he passed away, and the Fatwaa is upon that (i.e. its permissibility).” [iv]

“There is no difference between the Imaam (Abu Haneefah Rahimahullaah) and his two companions (Imaam Abu Yusuf and Imaam Muhammad Rahimahumallaah), because though they said it is permissible but it is disliked (i.e. better not to do so).”[v]

So in summary, a person should try and avoid eating horses, but if he does eat it then it will be permissible.